6th February 2024 Nursery Management Software All Posts

Streamline Childcare Funding Allocation with Connect Childcare

With the early years sector ever-changing efficiently allocating the new funding appears to have become a significant challenge for childcare providers. Securing and allocating resources can be complex and time-consuming, taking focus away from the crucial tasks of managing your childcare setting and nurturing the children in your care. 

This blog explores how Connect Childcare’s management system can help save you time and streamline your processes with its comprehensive grants feature, transforming how nursery managers approach this issue. By simplifying the funding allocation process, Connect Childcare empowers managers to save time and invest more in the wellbeing and development of the children in their care.

Navigate the early years funding expansion with ease

The Department of Education (DfE) has announced changes to the Early Years funding entitlement as part of the Government’s new Spring Budget. Starting from April 2024, a phased expansion will be initiated and by September 2025: most working families with children under the age of 5 will be eligible for an extended 30 hours of free childcare.

To ensure a smooth transition and meet the evolving needs of more families, the changes will be introduced gradually:

  1. From April 2024, working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare.
  2. From September 2024, 15 hours of free childcare will be extended to all children from the age of nine months.
  3. From September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week.

While these changes bring much-needed support, they may pose challenges for nurseries as they navigate the evolving landscape. However, the Connect management system is in place to streamline this process. With the impending arrival of the new funding, our system stands ready with the most comprehensive funding tool on the market. This includes features such as bulk allocation of funds and the flexibility to customise parameters according to each nursery’s individual needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient allocation of funding resources. As the childcare support system transforms, Connect Childcare is here to empower nurseries with the tools they need to adapt and thrive.

Save time by bulk-allocating funding

One of the most significant challenges childcare providers face is the time-consuming process of allocating grant funding to eligible children. With our Connect management system, this challenge becomes an opportunity for efficiency. Our system automatically identifies eligible children and allocates grant funding with precision—eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing the risk of errors.

Effortlessly invoice entire sites

In the childcare industry, where every moment counts, the ability to generate invoices quickly and accurately is invaluable. The Connect management system is equipped with automated grant funding allocation to take this efficiency to the next level. In just a few clicks, providers can generate invoices for entire sites, confident that the system has accurately distributed grant funds to eligible children.

Ensure precision and compliance

Accurate invoicing is not only about saving time; it’s also crucial for financial precision and compliance. Our grant funding features ensure that childcare providers adhere to funding guidelines and regulations. This not only mitigates the risk of financial discrepancies but also enhances transparency and accountability, instilling confidence in both providers and parents.

The ability to accurately invoice entire sites in just minutes, with grants automatically allocated to eligible children, shows the power of technology in childcare management. As we look towards the future, the integration of these features promises a more seamless and productive experience for childcare providers, ultimately benefiting childcare providers, practitioners, children and families they serve.

Interested in what you’ve read so far? We invite you to schedule a casual 10-minute call with one of our friendly team members—just click here to set it up. If you would prefer a more in-depth exploration of the benefits offered by our management system, feel free to book a complimentary, no-obligation demo. Your journey toward streamlined childcare management awaits!

What are you waiting for? Find out more!

To learn more about how our nursery management software can support your setting throughout the cost-of-living crisis, contact our team for an informal chat, or book a free demo below.
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About the Author

Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare

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